Remote-Controlled Telephone/Fax Machine Switch

Description: This system uses a transmitter operating at approximately 100 kHz to control a remote receiver. A line splitter can connect the transmitter to the active telephone line. The transmitter is a CMOS oscillator equipped with output buffer stages to drive the telephone line. When the receiver detects an off-hook condition (the line voltage drops from about 48 V to less than 10 V), the LED in optocoupler U1 is extinguished, which activates timer U2. Upon activation of the transmitter, tone decoder U4 detects the 100-kHz signal and outputs a low signal that illuminates indicator LED1. LED1 is also utilized to set the transmitter frequency, triggering U2. U2 is configured for latching operation, supplying base current to Q3, which turns it on and energizes relay K1, thereby connecting the fax machine to the telephone line. U3 is implemented to prevent accidental triggering of U2 by transients on the telephone line. When the phone is lifted off-hook, U2 is reset after a delay of about one or two seconds, allowing transients to subside before U2 awaits a negative pulse on pin 2 to turn on. When U2 is activated, Q3 is biased on, activating change-over relay K1.

This electronic system is designed to facilitate remote control of a fax machine via a telephone line using a 100 kHz transmitter and a corresponding receiver. The transmitter employs a CMOS oscillator, which is an efficient and stable component for generating the desired frequency. The output buffer stages are crucial for interfacing with the telephone line, ensuring that the signal strength is adequate for reliable operation.

The use of a line splitter is a practical solution for connecting the transmitter to the telephone line without disrupting existing services. This allows the system to function seamlessly alongside typical telephone operations. The receiver monitors the line voltage to detect an off-hook condition, which indicates that the telephone has been lifted. This is a critical feature, as it allows the system to respond appropriately to user actions.

The optocoupler (U1) serves as an isolation component, ensuring that the control logic is protected from high voltage spikes present on the telephone line. When the line voltage drops, the LED in the optocoupler turns off, signaling timer U2 to start its operation. Timer U2 is configured in a latching mode, which is essential for maintaining the control state once activated. It provides a robust mechanism to ensure that once the fax machine is connected, it remains connected until the system is deliberately reset.

The tone decoder (U4) plays a vital role in identifying the specific 100 kHz signal from the transmitter. Upon detection, it outputs a low signal to illuminate LED1, which serves a dual purpose: providing visual feedback to the user and assisting in frequency calibration of the transmitter. This feedback mechanism is important for ensuring that the system operates within the designed parameters.

Relay K1, controlled by transistor Q3, is responsible for switching the fax machine onto the telephone line. The design includes a precautionary measure with U3, which filters out transient signals that could inadvertently trigger the system. This feature enhances the reliability and stability of the operation, ensuring that the fax machine is only connected when intended.

In summary, this system integrates various electronic components to create a reliable and efficient method for controlling a fax machine remotely via a telephone line. The design emphasizes stability, user feedback, and protection against transients, making it suitable for practical applications in environments where telephone line control is necessary. This system uses a transmitter at around 100 kHz (see Fig. 86-3(a)) to control a remote rece iver. A line splitter can be used to connect the transmitter to the telephone line in use. The transmitter is a CMOS oscillator and has output buffer stages to drive the telephone line. When the receiver (Fig. 86-3(b)) detects the off-hook condition (the line voltage drops from about 48 V to less than 10 V). Optocoupler U1 has the LED extinguished. This enables timer U2. When the transmitter is activated, tone decoder U4 detects the 100-kHz signal and outputs a low signal, which lights indicator LED1. LED1 is also used to set the transmitter frequency. Also, U2 is triggered. U2 is configured for the latching condition. U2 feeds the base of Q3, turns it on and energizes relay Kl, which switches in the fax machine to the telephone line.

U3 prevents U2 from being accidentally triggered by transients on the telephone line. When the phone is lifted off-hook and it resets U2 after about one or two seconds of delay, transients are allowed to subside before U2 is reset, and it waits for a negative pulse on pin 2 to turn on. When U2 turns on, Q3 is biased on, which activates change-over relay K1.